For organic chemist, Alan MacDiarmid years of hard work and dedication in his field of science finally paid off.

MacDiarmid visited Neshaminy on Jan. 19 to speak to students about his innovative research that enabled him to win the Noble Prize last year.

“Dr. MacDiarmid's presentation was hopefully an avenue for young individuals to open their eyes and see that there is more to everything that they do then just what they perceive," chemistry teacher, Joseph Bodri said. "He and his associate took a mistake and turned it into something extremely valuable to all of us."

MacDiarmid, the grandfather of junior Clayton Hazelett, is a Drexel Hill resident and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

He shared his Noble Prize with three men for discovering a plastic that has the ability to conduct electricity. MacDiarmid received his medal from the king of Sweden.

“We are all proud of him," Hazelett replied. "We all knew he would win the prize eventually, but it still came as a surprise.”

This groundbreaking discovery has proved to generate important developments in the science community. It has led to new developments in such products as televisions, film and computer screens.

This discovery may also lead to breakthroughs in human nerve replacements and artificial muscles.

MacDiarmid was an influential speaker and helped students to understand the strenuous work that goes into science breakthroughs. An avid promoter of learning, MacDiarmid encourags students to always reach for the next level.